Here’s how to spend Christmas in Cape ...
From lunches and carols to markets and meeting Santa
For Moments of Joy. Follow our social channels for useful news, daily local champions | |
![]() | 072 350 2062 |
![]() | Ideas Cartel, The Old Foundry, 1 Sand Hill Road, Green Point |
![]() | www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe |
![]() | now@capetownmagazine.com |
![]() | CapeTownMag |
![]() | CapeTownMagazine.com |
![]() | capetownmag |
“Unconventional, black-owned art space in tune with our times”
It has all the markings of a church: the building looks as imposing as a place of worship, its primary opening days are Sundays, and there are talks that lift the spirits. But what is worshipped here is creativity and the congregation is made up of Cape Town creatives that discuss the coexistence of art, life and politics.
A standout amongst Church Street’s buildings, Church does not conform to any artistic expectations. Image supplied by Church
The art gallery’s name, Church, was born from its location. It’s in Church Street, Cape Town’s premier inner-city art precinct. Church’s entirely golden exterior is hard to miss. The interior setup is designed to display multimedia works, and even includes a film room, where they can be made and shown.
Currently looking like a blank canvas, the interior will soon be filled with all forms of art. Image supplied by Church
“The Church is not only a church in name. If you have something to say and need a platform, our Sunday Sessions will provide the space to present new ideas and conversations,” says co-owner Hoosein Mahomed.
As opposed to its religious connotation, Church is conceptualised as an unorthodox art space that promotes artistic independence within Cape Town’s art scene. The idea for Church was ignited by radical shifts in the world, such as extended periods of isolation as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and Black Lives Matter movement. This led to Hoosein Mahomed and Shelleen Maharaj opening Church as an alternative space for art.
Church’s owners, Shelleen Maharaj and Hoosein Mohamed opened the space to encourage local artists to own their space. Image supplied by Church.
“Looking at art helps us step back and gain perspective. It allows us to see and understand the world with a heightened sense of self-awareness.The lockdown, its resultant isolation, and this sort of social purgatory caused me to become deeply introspective about how I envisioned the future. I kept going back to the things I loved most, this naturally being the arts,” says Mahomed
The first artist to show her work at Church is Capetonian Thania Petersen, whose art depicts stereotypes about the “so-called Cape Malay population” in Cape Town. Petersen’s installation, Garden of Passion Gaps, is a creation of artificial foliage decorated with mouth moulds that represent missing front teeth (known as a passion gap), and will be displayed on Church’s façade for its opening.
Local artist Thania Petersen’s Garden of Passion Gaps, is set to ignite a conversation about art in the Cape coloured community. Image supplied by Church
“The visual culture about the creole community in Cape Town has not been created by us, and not represented by us and may be represented as something ugly or unhealthy, not acceptable or cool. Maybe I think it is beautiful. I want to change the conversation,” says Petersen.
---
Check out the current exhibitions at the Irma Stern Museum.
Find unique and interesting galleries to visit in Cape Town.
For a look into contemporary art through the eyes of Cape Town’s artists, visit Zeitz MOCAA.
Here’s a list of things to do this weekend.
If you are curious about the history of the Cape (and South Africa), visit these museums in Cape Town.
---
Loved discovering this? Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter.Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.
Here’s how to spend Christmas in Cape ...
From lunches and carols to markets and meeting Santa
Netflix and chill & office lunch are ...
From mushroom burgers and loaded fries to “sticky wings”
How to have an unforgettable 40th, 50th ...
Private chef and 3-course meals at a 5-suite manor
You can now book out this entire hotel ...
Infrared sauna, pool, special art, stunning rooms
We just found our next place for a ...
Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven
Sumptuous Indian set menu for two
10 unique dishes (and MCC) at Bombay Brasserie
5 ways to transform your hair (with ...
Give your locks some love or change them completely
Intimate fine dining in an art gallery
A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art
Go for a drive to this apple farm in ...
From fresh food to farm cottages and fine dining evenings
A brewery with food specials for every ...
Burgers, schnitzels + curry specials at Woodstock Brewery
How healthy is your hair, really?
How to get a free diagnosis + R100 off your first visit
Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...
It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed
Introducing the Whiskey Lounge
Tastings from around the world, guided by an ambassador
Meat appreciation platter at a ...
3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience
Laid-back, lekker, and loud team ...
Food Jams is a party where cooking is only half the fun
All the seasons of Cheverells Farm
Apple picking in summer and winter stay special
Boutique winery with 6 six cosy tasting nooks. Plus platters, picnics + trails